Pistorius: Germany and allies working on Ukraine security guarantees

Germany and its partners are working flat out on the details of reliable security guarantees for Ukraine, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday.

"What a German contribution to the security guarantees will look like has not yet been decided and will have to be determined politically and militarily," Pistorius told dpa after members of the Bundestag were briefed on the status quo.

"Firstly, we will take into account the progress of the negotiations, secondly a possible contribution from the US and thirdly the consultations with our closest partners," Pistorius continued.

"Of course, the willingness of Russia to come to a peaceful solution must also be examined," he added.

Since the weekend, a debate on whether Germany could also contribute soldiers to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine has gained momentum.

Security guarantees against further Russian attacks are seen as a basic prerequisite for Ukraine to make concessions in negotiations.

The German government is aware of its responsibility in Europe these days, said Pistorius. Germany was already the second-largest supporter of Ukraine, leading the way in terms of air defence support and assuming political responsibility, he emphasized.

He also referred to German contributions to the purchase of US weapons for Ukraine and the training of more than 21,000 Ukrainian soldiers.

Pistorius said: "Right now it is clear that we need a strong Ukraine so that it can act with confidence in these difficult negotiations. Only in this way can the current process lead to a lasting and just peace solution."